Aspects of Brahmanical Influence On Jaina Mythology

SR No.: 011037
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shaktidhar Jha
Publisher: Bharat Bharti Bhandar
Publication Year: 1978
Total Pages: 315
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 12 MB

Page 129

Dynastic Lists and Genealogical Accounts
111
Somayaśas have acquired a separate entity, the former as the son of Kuru and the latter as the son and successor of Bāhubalın.
Again, coming to the MP we find another change in the character and position of Kuru and Somaprabha both. In the present work Somaprabha has been introduced as a subordinate ruler under the overlordship of Rsabha-Ihşvāku from whom the former is stated to have received the title Kururāja109 Thus, the author of the MP has trcated the term Kuru as an attribute and Somaprabha as the personal name of the person. Now, as a corollary of this twofold designation of the eponymous ruler, the line ascribed to him is said to have been styled both Somavamsa and Kuruvamsa 110 And, in consequence of that modificd dynastic scheme, Somavamsa ol RPC and JHV ceases to hold his ground as the son of Bahubalin and founder of the Soma-branch of the Iksvaku dynasty Instead, one Mahakälın111 is made to replace him as the son and successor of Bahubalın and no specific name is given to his line.
Next change in the character and lineal as well as chronological position of Somaprabha is seen in the CMC of Silānka, the first Svetāmbara Putānakara The author of this work describes Somaprabha as a descendant of the Iksvāku dynasty, 112 but with usual lack of interest in genealogical and chronological matters, Silänka does not indicate Somaprabha's chronological position in the Thsoalu dynasty Now, like the author of the MP. he treats the term Kuru as an epithet of Somaprabha and imputes an amusingly fanciful import to it, for he tells us that as Somaprabha was enjoined by Sakra to act
109 16 268 110 MP 44 37, 40, 361 ; 45 79, 1348 ill महावलिनि निक्षिप्तरायद्धि स स्वनन्दने ।
दीक्षामुपादधे जैनी गुरोराराघयन् पदम् ॥
MP 36 104.
112 'Eat a gratiahnat
qa un trati
ÇMC, P. 182